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Stroke Program

Know the Warning Signs of a Stroke

Stroke is an emergency. Call 911 if you or a loved one has signs of a stroke. Do not drive yourself, and go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

The team at Memorial Health System offers comprehensive care — from diagnosis and treatment to follow-up care. We have the expertise, technology, and resources to minimize damage, help recover your health and functioning, and make the most of your capabilities so you can get back to your life.

Symptoms of a Stroke: BE FAST!

  • Balance unstable
  • Eyesight blurry
  • Facial weakness
  • Arm weakness
  • Speech slurred
  • Time is Critical. Call 911!

Memorial is a Primary Stroke Center

Lake Charles Memorial Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Primary Stroke Certification. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with health care experts and providers, measurement experts and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

    Types of Strokes & Risk Factors

    Your risk for stroke is higher if you:

    • Have high blood pressure
    • Smoke
    • Have a lot of fat around your abdomen
    • Have diabetes
    • Are not physically active
    • Have an unhealthy diet
    • Have more than 30 drinks per month
    • Have heart disease
    • Are depressed or under great stress
    • Have migraine headaches

    Women may be at higher risk if they:

    • Are pregnant
    • Take birth control pills
    • Use hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

    Symptoms can depend on the part of the brain that is affected. Classic symptoms of stroke include:

    • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
    • Sudden confusion
    • Trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
    • Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes

    Women may not always have the classic signs of a stroke, so symptoms can be mistaken for something else. Our team is highly experienced in recognizing and treating strokes in women.

    Women’s symptoms can be vague and may include:

    • Loss of consciousness or fainting
    • General weakness
    • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
    • Confusion, unresponsiveness or disorientation
    • Sudden behavioral change
    • Agitation
    • Hallucinations
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Pain
    • Seizures
    • Hiccups

    Click here to learn more about Memorial's TeleStroke Program.